Is a lack of shame in our society contributing to a decline in critical thinking? That was the question Jim Walters brought to the table for this month's The Power of Learning Show on KROC-AM during Rochester Today with Andy Brownell.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines shame as a feeling of guilt, regret, or sadness that you have because you know you have done something wrong.

Jim contends the absence of those feelings for misdeeds is having a negative impact on our society as a whole, the organizations in which we work or study, and even our families. He says a growing reluctance to point out another person's poor behavior or performance is a key driver in what is known as the "mum effect."

Walters says a prime example of what can happen when the "mum effect" takes hold in an organization is the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster (see YouTube post below).

Similar, albeit most often less tragic examples are commonplace in our world today. Walters says by "biting your tongue" and not challenging bad behavior, not only is the larger organization and society harmed, but the person exhibiting that behavior is not given the opportunity to learn from their mistake. He says it can also also lead to a culture within an organization where bad behavior or habits become acceptable, or at least tolerated and ignored.

The Power of Learning with Jim Walters can be heard the fourth Monday of each month from 10-11 a.m. during the Rochester Today show on KROC-AM.

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